Mental, physical preparation is key to successful race
GREEN BAY — Gear up, eat up and have fun while preparing for this year’s Bellin Run on June 14, 2008, Bellin Run experts say.
“The Bellin Run is about having fun and accomplishing a goal,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director. “By preparing mentally and physically, you can enjoy every minute of the experience.”
The best advice from Bellin Run race officials: Don’t try anything new on race day.
“You’ve been preparing for this event, so you need to let go and put your trust in your training,” said Phil Turnbull, Bellin Health Sports Medicine. “Wear the same shoes, socks and clothes you always do, and have a Plan B in case there’s unfavorable weather.”
During your training for the Bellin Run, Turnbull suggests the following:
• Plan, plan, plan. Pre-plan your morning routine, pack everything the night before and leave plenty of time for parking, locating friends, warm-ups and enjoying the atmosphere of race day.
• Start hydrating today. It takes your body two to three days to become sufficiently hydrated to perform at peak levels, so drink at least 64 ounces of fluids each day.
• Have a hydration strategy for the race. “At 60 to 90 minutes, you may want to use a sports drink for the energy and electrolytes,” Turnbull said. Consult your Bellin Run race guide for information about what will be located where on the course.
• Eat well the night before. Athletes need carbohydrates to perform, so avoid high fat, processed foods the week before the race. “Stick to easily digestible foods like fruits and vegetables, rice, potatoes, and of course, the all-you-can-eat pasta dinner at the expo the night before the event,” Turnbull said. He also suggests eating about 100 calories one hour prior to the race to jumpstart your energy.
• Have fun! Above all else, enjoy the experience of the Bellin Run and the camaraderie of the other runners and walkers. “Inspiration is everywhere on the course, so be sure to enjoy what’s going on around you,” Turnbull said.
The Bellin Run starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 14.
“Race day anxiety is something that will inevitably slow you down,” Turnbull said. “By preparing both your mind and body for the race, you can be sure to enjoy the race experience.”
The Bellin Run, a 10K (6.2 mile) run/walk in Green Bay, Wis., is the fourth-largest timed 10K race in the nation with 12,908 participants. Established in 1977, the Bellin Run features elite runners, a children’s run, corporate challenge, running expo, all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and a number of other events and activities for runners and their families.
This year’s 32nd annual Bellin Run is June 14, 2008. For more information, or to register, go to: www.bellinrun.com.
